Hajj 2024: Pilgrims Asked to Focus on Quran, Advocate Muslim Unity

IQNA – A senior Iranian Hajj official has called on pilgrims to pay extra attention to the Holy Quran, the plight of Muslims in Gaza, and the issue of Muslim unity during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

Hojat-ol-Islam Abdul Fattah Navab, the representative of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Hajj and Pilgrimage Affairs, made the statements while addressing thousands of Hajj pilgrims in Tehran who gathered at Azadi Stadium on Friday to receive training on the pilgrimage.

“Whatever we have is from the Quran and Ahl al-Bayt (AS). Give priority to the Holy Quran and understanding the divine revelation in the upcoming Hajj,” he said.

In recent years, some pilgrims managed to memorize Juze 30 of the Quran during the Hajj pilgrimage and some others managed to read the entire Quran during the pilgrimage, he said. “This is a very valuable practice.”

According to officials, more than 83,000 Iranian pilgrims are set to depart for Saudi Arabia in the upcoming weeks to observe Hajj.

Navvab also stressed the need for empathy and unity among the pilgrims. “There are forces that seek to sow discord within the Muslim Ummah.”

“Therefore, it is crucial for the Islamic community to counter these divisive tactics by fostering empathy and solidarity,” he said, adding that kindness among Muslims is essential.

Elsewhere, he urged Hajj pilgrims to support the oppressed people of Gaza, where more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli aggression since October.

It's inspiring to see even students from Western countries advocating for the people of Gaza, he said, pointing to campus protests across the US and several other countries in support of Gaza.

“I encourage pilgrims to dedicate their Tawaf to Gaza's martyrs, to the oppressed inhabitants of the region, and to the children who have suffered,” Navvab said.

Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that every able-bodied and financially able Muslim is obliged to undertake at least once during their lifetime.

The annual pilgrimage is regarded as one of the pillars of Islam and the largest act of mass pilgrimage in the world.

It is also a demonstration of Muslims’ unity and their submission to Allah.

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